Two North Carolina Tar Heels are making serious noise in the latest NBA draft projections, with Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar both landing in the first round of ESPN's updated mock draft. Following Sunday's draft lottery in Chicago, which set the order for the lottery teams, the buzz around these two former UNC stars is reaching a fever pitch.
Caleb Wilson is the headliner, projected to go early at No. 4 overall to the Chicago Bulls. That's a prime spot for a player who has been a consensus top-four prospect throughout the pre-draft process. Wilson's season was cut short by a pair of hand injuries, but that hasn't cooled the enthusiasm from NBA scouts. They've fallen hard for his relentless motor, explosive athleticism, and potential as a two-way impact player. In Chicago, he'd slot in as a high-flying frontcourt option with room to grow, and the Bulls—now under new leadership—could offer him a chance to become a star in the same city where Michael Jordan once made history. Expect Wilson to make a strong push in pre-draft workouts, where his athletic gifts should turn heads as teams look to assess his perimeter shooting and overall skill level.
Henri Veesaar isn't far behind, projected to land with the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 25 overall. That's a fascinating fit. The Lakers face major roster uncertainty this offseason, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves (player option) entering free agency. Their most glaring need is at center, where upgrading beyond Deandre Ayton's inconsistency is a priority. Veesaar brings exactly what the Lakers are missing: a floor-spacing big man who can stretch the defense and add skill to the frontcourt. His ability to play both inside and out makes him a versatile piece for a team that could look very different next season.
But the Tar Heel pipeline doesn't stop there. Incoming transfer Matt Able and former UNC guard Seth Trimble are also in the conversation, with potential to hear their names called in the second round. For a program that's been a consistent producer of NBA talent, this draft class could be another strong chapter—and for fans, it's a reminder that the next generation of stars is already on the rise.